The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

Collaborators:

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

This study is the second clinical trial to be conducted by the Menopause Strategies - Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) research network, a group of investigators conducting clinical trials designed to find new ways to alleviate the most common, bothersome symptoms of the menopausal transition.

In this twelve-week clinical trial, 374 women aged 40-62 who are in the late menopausal transition or postmenopausal and experiencing bothersome hot flashes will be randomized to one of three behavioral intervention groups: yoga, exercise, or usual activity. All women will simultaneously be randomized to receive omega-3 supplementation or a matching placebo.

The primary aims of this trial are to compare the magnitude of changes in perceived, self-reported frequency and bother of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) before and after the intervention between yoga and the usual activity comparison group, between exercise and the usual activity comparison group, and between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation or placebo. The hypotheses to be tested are:

Women assigned to yoga will report lower frequency and less VMS bother than women assigned to the usual activity group at the end of a 12-week study period.

Women assigned to aerobic exercise at moderate-vigorous intensity will report lower frequency and less VMS bother than women assigned to the usual activity group at the end of a 12-week study period.

Women assigned to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation will report lower frequency and less VMS bother than women assigned to the placebo group at the end of a 12-week study period.

The omega-3 component of the study is double-blinded. For yoga, exercise, and usual activity, the outcomes assessors are blinded to the randomization assignments.

Three placebo gel capsules filled with vegetable oil are taken daily for a total of approximately 2 grams of vegetable oil. Each gel capsule also contains 15 IU of vitamin E, natural lemon flavoring, rosemary extract, and a small amount of non-omega-3 fish oil.

Behavioral: Yoga

Yoga instruction is provided during 12 weekly 90-minute classes, designed for women without prior yoga experience. Each class includes an introductory breathing exercise, 11 to 13 gentle postures followed by deep relaxation with a visualization exercise. Study participants are expected to attend each of the 12 weekly yoga classes plus do daily 20-minute at-home practices. Classes are offered at 2 different times during the week.

Behavioral: Exercise

The exercise intervention is facility-based aerobic exercise training on a treadmill, stationary bicycle or elliptical trainer performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The duration of each training session is determined for each woman based on the weekly total energy expenditure goal and workload required to achieve her prescribed exercise heart rate. Women train at 50-60% heart rate reserve (HRR) for the first month and then increase intensity to 60-70% HRR. To ensure that women train at their prescribed exercise heart rates, women wear Polar Heart Rate Monitors while exercising. The exercise counselor overseeing each exercise session records each participant's exercise heart rate every 5-10 minutes to document that she is in her target heart rate range.

Behavioral: Usual Activity

Women randomly assigned to the "Usual Activity" group will be asked to continue with their usual physical activities during the study and not make changes. At completion of the intervention, women will have the opportunity to attend a yoga class and receive the yoga booklet, CD, and DVD for home use; or receive a one-month gym membership.

Experimental: Omega-3

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3

The study supplement, omega-3-fish oils, is taken as 3 gel capsules daily that together contain approximately 2 grams of fish oil. Each gel capsule (1/3 of the daily dose) has a total omega-3 dosage of 615 mg with two major omega-3 components of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 425 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 100 mg). Vitamin E (15 IU), an antioxidant, is added to each gel capsule to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Each gel capsule also contains natural lemon oil and rosemary extract to enhance taste and freshness.

Behavioral: Yoga

Yoga instruction is provided during 12 weekly 90-minute classes, designed for women without prior yoga experience. Each class includes an introductory breathing exercise, 11 to 13 gentle postures followed by deep relaxation with a visualization exercise. Study participants are expected to attend each of the 12 weekly yoga classes plus do daily 20-minute at-home practices. Classes are offered at 2 different times during the week.

Behavioral: Exercise

The exercise intervention is facility-based aerobic exercise training on a treadmill, stationary bicycle or elliptical trainer performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The duration of each training session is determined for each woman based on the weekly total energy expenditure goal and workload required to achieve her prescribed exercise heart rate. Women train at 50-60% heart rate reserve (HRR) for the first month and then increase intensity to 60-70% HRR. To ensure that women train at their prescribed exercise heart rates, women wear Polar Heart Rate Monitors while exercising. The exercise counselor overseeing each exercise session records each participant's exercise heart rate every 5-10 minutes to document that she is in her target heart rate range.

Behavioral: Usual Activity

Women randomly assigned to the "Usual Activity" group will be asked to continue with their usual physical activities during the study and not make changes. At completion of the intervention, women will have the opportunity to attend a yoga class and receive the yoga booklet, CD, and DVD for home use; or receive a one-month gym membership.

Experimental: Yoga

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Three placebo gel capsules filled with vegetable oil are taken daily for a total of approximately 2 grams of vegetable oil. Each gel capsule also contains 15 IU of vitamin E, natural lemon flavoring, rosemary extract, and a small amount of non-omega-3 fish oil.

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3

The study supplement, omega-3-fish oils, is taken as 3 gel capsules daily that together contain approximately 2 grams of fish oil. Each gel capsule (1/3 of the daily dose) has a total omega-3 dosage of 615 mg with two major omega-3 components of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 425 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 100 mg). Vitamin E (15 IU), an antioxidant, is added to each gel capsule to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Each gel capsule also contains natural lemon oil and rosemary extract to enhance taste and freshness.

Behavioral: Yoga

Yoga instruction is provided during 12 weekly 90-minute classes, designed for women without prior yoga experience. Each class includes an introductory breathing exercise, 11 to 13 gentle postures followed by deep relaxation with a visualization exercise. Study participants are expected to attend each of the 12 weekly yoga classes plus do daily 20-minute at-home practices. Classes are offered at 2 different times during the week.

Experimental: Exercise

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Three placebo gel capsules filled with vegetable oil are taken daily for a total of approximately 2 grams of vegetable oil. Each gel capsule also contains 15 IU of vitamin E, natural lemon flavoring, rosemary extract, and a small amount of non-omega-3 fish oil.

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3

The study supplement, omega-3-fish oils, is taken as 3 gel capsules daily that together contain approximately 2 grams of fish oil. Each gel capsule (1/3 of the daily dose) has a total omega-3 dosage of 615 mg with two major omega-3 components of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 425 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 100 mg). Vitamin E (15 IU), an antioxidant, is added to each gel capsule to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Each gel capsule also contains natural lemon oil and rosemary extract to enhance taste and freshness.

Behavioral: Exercise

The exercise intervention is facility-based aerobic exercise training on a treadmill, stationary bicycle or elliptical trainer performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The duration of each training session is determined for each woman based on the weekly total energy expenditure goal and workload required to achieve her prescribed exercise heart rate. Women train at 50-60% heart rate reserve (HRR) for the first month and then increase intensity to 60-70% HRR. To ensure that women train at their prescribed exercise heart rates, women wear Polar Heart Rate Monitors while exercising. The exercise counselor overseeing each exercise session records each participant's exercise heart rate every 5-10 minutes to document that she is in her target heart rate range.

Usual Activity 1

Usual Activity 1 and Usual Activity 2 arms will be compared to the Yoga and Exercise arms.

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Three placebo gel capsules filled with vegetable oil are taken daily for a total of approximately 2 grams of vegetable oil. Each gel capsule also contains 15 IU of vitamin E, natural lemon flavoring, rosemary extract, and a small amount of non-omega-3 fish oil.

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3

The study supplement, omega-3-fish oils, is taken as 3 gel capsules daily that together contain approximately 2 grams of fish oil. Each gel capsule (1/3 of the daily dose) has a total omega-3 dosage of 615 mg with two major omega-3 components of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 425 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 100 mg). Vitamin E (15 IU), an antioxidant, is added to each gel capsule to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Each gel capsule also contains natural lemon oil and rosemary extract to enhance taste and freshness.

Behavioral: Usual Activity

Women randomly assigned to the "Usual Activity" group will be asked to continue with their usual physical activities during the study and not make changes. At completion of the intervention, women will have the opportunity to attend a yoga class and receive the yoga booklet, CD, and DVD for home use; or receive a one-month gym membership.

Usual Activity 2

Usual Activity 1 and Usual Activity 2 arms will be compared to the Yoga and Exercise arms.

Dietary Supplement: Placebo

Three placebo gel capsules filled with vegetable oil are taken daily for a total of approximately 2 grams of vegetable oil. Each gel capsule also contains 15 IU of vitamin E, natural lemon flavoring, rosemary extract, and a small amount of non-omega-3 fish oil.

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3

The study supplement, omega-3-fish oils, is taken as 3 gel capsules daily that together contain approximately 2 grams of fish oil. Each gel capsule (1/3 of the daily dose) has a total omega-3 dosage of 615 mg with two major omega-3 components of ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 425 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 100 mg). Vitamin E (15 IU), an antioxidant, is added to each gel capsule to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness. Each gel capsule also contains natural lemon oil and rosemary extract to enhance taste and freshness.

Behavioral: Usual Activity

Women randomly assigned to the "Usual Activity" group will be asked to continue with their usual physical activities during the study and not make changes. At completion of the intervention, women will have the opportunity to attend a yoga class and receive the yoga booklet, CD, and DVD for home use; or receive a one-month gym membership.

Detailed Description:

Over 33 million U.S. women will transition through menopause in the next decade. Among women with natural menopause, the transition typically lasts four years, with a mean age at menopause of 51 years. Menstrual irregularity (90%) and vasomotor symptoms (VMS) (80%) are the most common symptoms associated with the transition. Hormone therapy has been the gold standard for treating VMS symptoms against which other therapies are measured. However, resistance to hormone therapy use due to its risks and side effects continues to fuel the search for safer alternatives.

This research study will evaluate three low risk interventions (yoga, exercise, and omega-3 supplements) compared to either a usual activity group or a placebo pill. This factorial design is motivated by the desire to have all women receive some intervention. Neither comparisons between yoga and exercise nor tests of interaction between the behavioral interventions (yoga, exercise, usual activity) and omega-3 motivated this design. However, these aspects can be examined in secondary analyses in a more rigorous fashion through this design than would be permitted by separate trials.

Eligibility

Information from the National Library of Medicine

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.

Ages Eligible for Study:

40 Years to 62 Years (Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Females aged 40-62 years.

Menopausal, including:

Women who have had a bi-lateral oophorectomy;

Women with a uterus who have skipped 2 or more menstrual cycles with an amenorrhea interval of 60 or more days in the past 12 months;

Women without a uterus and who still have one or both ovaries, with FSH level greater than 20 mIU/mL and estradiol less than or equal to 50 pg/mL;

Women who are using the Mirena IUD or who have had an endometrial ablation and who still have one or both ovaries, with FSH level greater than 20 mIU/mL and estradiol less than or equal to 50 pg/mL.

Having bothersome hot flashes and/or night sweats.

In general good health as determined by medical history, blood pressure, and heart rate:

Absence of uncontrolled hypertension greater than 160/100;

Resting heart rate less than 110 beats per minute;.

No history of myocardial infarction, angina, or cerebrovascular events;.

No history of liver, renal disease, or uncontrolled seizure disorder.

Absence of uncontrolled metabolic disease (such as diabetes) and absence of current infectious disease (such as acute symptoms of mononucleosis) that would put staff and other participants at risk.

Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Use of hormone therapy or hormonal contraceptives (with the exception of the Mirena IUD) during the 2 months before enrollment. Vaginal postmenopausal estrogens allowed, with the exception of vaginal creams used more than 3 times a week.

Use of any other therapy that is taken specifically for hot flashes, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal therapies, in the past month.

Any current severe or unstable medical illness.

Body mass index (BMI) of 37 or higher, based on measured height and weight.

Severe uncorrected hearing or vision problems.

Current, regular use of anti-coagulants 3 or more times per week, e.g. Coumadin, Heparin, Clopidogrel, aspirin at full dose (due to possible omega-3 supplement interaction).

Drug or alcohol abuse in the past 1 year.

Major severe depressive episode in the past 3 months.

Diagnosis of psychosis or psychotic disorder.

Pregnancy, intending pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Current participation in another drug trial or intervention study.

Inability or unwillingness to complete the study procedures or interventions.

Physical limitations that limit the ability to participate in yoga or exercise, for example:

Severe allergy to soy (defined as life-threatening reaction to soy that would require medical intervention).

Allergy or sensitivity to fish.

Currently eating 4 or more servings of fish per week.

Currently taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement more than twice per week in the past 4 weeks and unwilling to stop for 12 weeks. Interest women can stop all omega-3 supplements and reevaluate eligibility 4 weeks after stopping the omega-3 supplements.

Contacts and Locations

Information from the National Library of Medicine

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01178892

Locations

United States, California

Kaiser Division of Research

Oakland, California, United States, 94611

United States, Indiana

Indiana University

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 46202

United States, Washington

Group Health Research Institute

Seattle, Washington, United States, 98101

Sponsors and Collaborators

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)